Excellence on Display at Balmoral Show 2025
Balmoral Show 2025 Results & Report
Balmoral Show 2025 – Show Report
Judge: Mr Rhys Francis
The Balmoral Show 2025 once again showcased popularity of the Dutch Spotted breed, showcasing the largest number of breed entries across the sheep section at the show!
A lively atmosphere surrounded the showring throughout Balmoral Show day, with a packed ringside adding to the excitement. Large class numbers—some exceeding 40 entries—ensured fierce competition and kept the crowd engaged, creating a real buzz that carried through the remainder of the week at the Show.
Judged by Mr Rhys Francis, who made the journey from Carmarthenshire, South Wales; this year’s entries demonstrated high standards of conformation, presentation, and breed character throughout the event. Rhys commented “It was an honour to judge the pinnacle show in Northern Irelands calendar. The standard from start to finish throughout the classes were exceptional, thank you to the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society for inviting me to judge”.
Judge Rhys Francis made his final selections with confidence, swiftly choosing his Male and Female Champions following a strong day of class judging. Taking top honours was Merryboro Gabrielle, exhibited by the Limestone Flock and owned by Mark Priestley. Gabrielle was awarded Female Champion before going on to be tapped out as Overall Champion of the Dutch Spotted section.
Gabrielle is no stranger to success, having previously taken the Female Champion Title at Balmoral 2024 and Female Champion and Reserve Overall at the Spotlight Sale in Carlisle, where she was purchased by the Limestone Flock for 2,500gns. She is sired by the acclaimed Dutch Dominator and out of Princess Belle, a much-admired ewe at Merryboro. Her twin sister remains in the Merryboro flock in South Wales, marking the strength of that breeding line.
In an extraordinary achievement, the Limestone Flock didn’t just secure the Dutch Spotted Overall Championship—they also claimed Champion titles in both the Suffolk and Texel rings.
It was a standout day for James Johnston of the Broadwater Flock, who topped the highly competitive 27-strong ram lamb class with Longfield Iceman, before going on to secure Male Champion and ultimately claim the title of Reserve Overall Champion. Iceman is sired by Milltown Fireman Sam that has also had prolific breeding history.
After a successful judging day in the sun, exhibitors and spectating members enjoying light snacks and plenty of refreshments at the Society social. It was great for members to reflect on the day with a well-deserved drink in hand!
Aged Ram 2 Shear and over (5 forward)
1st - 328 - Kingsarrow
2nd - 329 - James Reilly
3rd - 325 - Liam Campbell
4th - 326 - Derg & Knockmult
5th - 330 - Alana Steenson
Shearling Ram (10 forward)
1st - 333 - Derg & Knockmult
2nd - 331 - Adrian & Hugh Trainor
3rd - 332 - Chris Johnson Farms Ltd
4th - 339 - Tommy Jackson
5th - 340 - Kingarrow
6th - 338 - Pat Irvine
Ram Lamb (27 forward)
1st - 365 - James Johnston
2nd - 360 - Patrick Grant
3rd - 364 - James Johnston
4th - 369 - Jack King
5th - 370 - Sentana Laverty
6th - 371 - Limestone Farm
Aged Ewe, two year old and over (6 forward)
1st - 385 - Limestone Farm
2nd- 383 - Chris Johnston Farms Ltd
3rd - 387 - Mourneview
4th - 384 - Tommy Jackson
5th - 389 - Benny Steenson
6th - 388 - Alana Steenson
Shearling Ewes (28 forward)
1st - 420 - S. Allen & A.Shortt
2nd - 408 - Seamus Killeen
3rd - 410 - Kingsarrow
4th - 391 - John Watt
5th - 406 - Tommy Jackson
6th - 395 - Liam Campbell
Ewe Lambs (42 forward)
1st - 452 - James Johnston
2nd - 448 - Tommy Jackson
3rd - 467 - Gary McClelland
4th - 454 - Seamus Killen
5th - 461 - Limestone Farm
6th - 426 - Adrian & Hugh Trainor
Pairs (property of one exhibitor) - 5 forward
1st - James Johnson, Broadwater
2nd - Alex Colhoun, Rolex
Group of Three (property of one exhibitor)
1st - Paddy & Orla Grant, Craigdoo
2nd - Alex Colhoun, Rolex
Male Champion – 365 James Johnston (ram lamb)
Reserve Male Champion - 328 Kingarrow (aged ram)
Female Champion - 385 Limestone (Aged Ewe)
Reserve Female Champion - 452 James Johnston (Ewe Lamb)
Overall Champion - 385 Limestone (Aged ewe) – Merryboro Gabrielle
Reserve Overall Champion - 365 James Johntson (ram lamb) - Longfield Iceman
